Marlborough Magazine August 18 - Page 13

PROUD TO BE LOCAL
Sirpa will be
featuring in
the Nelson
Art Expo in
September
Sirpa Alalaakkola
Art by Sirpa
Ngakuta Bay, Marlborough Sounds
P: 022 131 5451
E: Sirpa.ala@gmail.com
/artbysirpa
Q. What do you love most about Marlborough?
A. The Marlborough Sounds - I love seakayaking,
swimming, mountain biking or walking on the new
Link Pathway track. I enjoy hosting airbnb people
in my artistic quirky home to offer something
different. Also, hosting woofers who are travelling
in New Zealand, as I was a woofer when I was
young. I am proud of living here in the Sounds and
I want to share the experience of this beautiful and
versatile environment by offering visitors advice,
sea kayaks and mountain bikes to explore the area.
Q. What are three words to describe how someone
would feel after being captivated by your art?
A. Amazed. Mesmerised. Happy.
Q. What is unique about your artwork?
A. It is based on capturing the ‘feeling’ of any
particular moment or experience, rather than
trying to get it anatomically correct or visually
realistic. As Picasso put it, “ I paint forms as I think
them, not as I see them”. The paintings are almost
life-size so that when you are standing in front
of them you feel almost as if you were inside the
painting, experiencing the joy that radiates from
them. I believe you become what you think, so if I
can create happiness in people’s minds by painting
these paintings, the world will be a happier place.
Q. What is something about you that people may
not know?
A. My favourite colour to paint is white.
Q. Where does the inspiration or motivation for your
art come from?
A. Inspiration comes from my own life experiences,
especially with my children, and from a deep
desire to depict the local life and people in their
environments around the world in different
cultures. And to depict the joy of life, meeting
people from different parts of the world and
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13
painting their culture. Motivation comes from
having fully supported myself and my three
dependants with my art, for more than two
decades now.
How would you describe 'a great day at work'?
Waking up to an exciting painting in progress and
diving into painting it. Having a break to check the
email/fb enquiries and have someone contact me
wanting to buy a painting. Then I feel I’m on the
right track; every sale generates more inspiration.
I love selling my artwork and that way making
people’s lives more positive, happy and joyous.
What 3 celebrities or special people would you
love to see displaying your artwork?
Oprah Winfrey. Watching her videos, life story and
encouraging ways has helped me through some
tough times. It led me to learn about her guests'
ways of becoming successful and learning about
them has led to new self-discovery.
My children (in the future), as they have been an
integral part of my life and they feature in so many
of my paintings. My always painting has also been
a major part of their childhood.
Wal t Disney. I know he’s not alive anymore but he
has been the greatest inspiration throughout my
life to always believe in your dreams, be authentic
and fearless, and never give up.
What’s next on your wish list?
Manifesting more of my overseas painting
projects; one in Kerala, India, one in Cambodia,
the Caribbean and South America. Completing
my little SheShed as my NZ base. Make my 'Art &
Adventure' venture in the Sounds more popular.
What’s your favourite way to spend an 'Idle
Moment'?
Catch up with my children, or listen to Michael
Sealey.
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